Board of Selectmen, November 20, 2017

Meeting date: 
Monday, November 20, 2017

HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MEETING MINUTES

November 20, 2017

 

6:35PM                                                                                               Memorial Hall

 

Present: Chairman Robert Lavigne, Geri Herlihy, Jeremy Kurtz, Anthony Renzoni

 

Not Present:  Tim Ethier

 

Others Present:             Peter Lukes, Town Manager

                                    Stephen Madaus, Town Counsel

                                    Liz Fotos, Town Recorder

 

Chairman Lavigne called the meeting to order at 6:35PM.  The Board stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

  1. Appointments, Licenses, Permits// David Nyman- Conservation Commission Confirmation (Town Manager Appointment, Board of Selectmen Confirmation)// Jim Dunn- Reappointment, Ag Com, Term to Expire 11/2/2020

 

Chairman Lavigne invited David Nyman to the podium and asked him for some background and why he was interested in serving the Town.

 

Mr. Nyman stated that he lived in Jefferson since 1993 and was an engineer doing land development and water research for over 45 years.  He stated that since 1993 he had been working with the Wetlands Protection Act and Stormwater Regulation.  He stated that he had participated in various technical advisory groups and that conservation commissions still used some of the information that he provided for hydrology and stream crossing waterways.  He stated that he had done numerous peer reviews for Conservation Commissions in local communities and that he was interested because members of the Conservation Commission reached out to him and asked if he was interested in serving and he was now at a point where he could take his expertise and serve the community.

 

Sel. Renzoni thanked him for volunteering.  He stated that Mr. Nyman sounded like the right person for the position and was highly qualified and impressive.

 

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CONFIRM DAVID NYMAN TO THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION.

 

The Board thanked him for his service.

 

Chairman Lavigne invited Mr. Jim Dunn to the podium he asked Mr. Dunn for an update on the Agricultural Commission.

 

Mr. Dunn stated that he had been on the Commission since in began in 2009.  He stated most recently they had been working on educational events at the Red Barn.  He stated that they had also been working with the Farmer’s Market this past summer to help new local farmers participate in the local Farmers Market.  He stated that Mr. Lukes was very helpful in this and that they were working to have sit down with the Farmers Market and see if they (Ag Com) could be of assistance.  He stated that there had also been some Board of Health regulations that they were looking to mediate and help make smoother for all parties. 

 

Sel. Renzoni asked where Ag Com was in regards to the Chapter 61 List and prioritizing it.

 

Mr. Dunn stated they had not finished prioritizing it and it was a massive effort.  He stated that the Commission went from seven members to five and they were trying to recruit to fill the seats as well to help.  He asked anyone interesting to fill out the ‘Do Something’ Questionnaire and Ag Com would be happy to consider them.  He stated going forward there may be a Chapter 61 property come up and Ag Com was aware of it.

 

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMSOULY VOTED TO REAPPOINT JIM DUNN TO THE AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE 11/2/2020.

 

The Commission thanked Mr. Dunn for all he does in Town.  

 

  1. Vote on Selectmen Meeting Calendar, January through June 2018

 

Sel. Renzoni proposed changing the meeting schedule in February to meet on February 12, 2018 and February 26, 2018 and April 2, 2018 and April 23, 2018 in order to get the meetings out of the school vacation weeks. 

 

The Board agreed. 

 

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY THROUGH JUNE OF 2018 AS AMENDED.

 

  1. Vote to Permit Use of Town Common // Girl Scout Town-Wide Yard Sale, May 12, 2018

 

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE USE OF TOWN COMMON ON MAY 12, 2018 FOR THE GIRL SCOUTS FOR A TOWN WIDE YARD SALE.

 

  1. Introduction of Next Fire Chief

 

Mr. Lukes stated that Chief Chandler was retiring at the end of the year.  He stated that the town supports continuing education and training and that is why there is the emphasis on a career path.  He stated based on this, there has been a strong commitment and loyalty and longevity from Town Employees and that is what allows the town to often promote from within.  Mr. Lukes stated that with the impending retirement of Chief Chandler, they did not need to look very far.  He stated that Deputy Chief Russ Hall has shown dedication to Holden and the Fire Department and has earned the respect of Department Heads through Town.  Mr. Lukes stated that he is looking forward to his (Hall’s) leadership and he was pleased to introduce Deputy Chief Hall; he stated he had extended to offer and Hall has accepted.

 

Deputy Chief Hall thanked Mr. Lukes and the Board for their trust and consideration.

 

Chairman Lavigne stated that he could speak for the whole Board when he said it was easy to promote Deputy Chief Hall and that they were happy that he was taking the position.

 

Sel. Renzoni stated not only the Board but the residents were very happy as well. 

 

Deputy Chief Hall stated that the Holden Fire Department was a great organization.  He thanked Chief Chandler for brining him in.  He stated that they were fantastic employees and firefighters and he thought they were always getting better an he looked forward to the challenge.

 

The Board thanked Chief Chandler and asked if he had plans for retirement.

 

Chief Chandler stated he did not have any plans and was looking for other opportunities.

 

Chairman Lavigne stated that the Fire Department had grown leaps and bounds with the ambulance as well and that they really appreciate his service to the Town.  He thanked Chief Chandler. 

 

  1. Karyn Clark- Central Massachusetts Regional Public Health Alliance // Regional Contract Discussion/ Renewal

 

Mr. Lukes stated that they had asked to postpone.

 

  1. Warrant Article Discussion – Update on Sewer Article

 

Mr. Lukes stated that they thought that this was a simple issue that could be quickly addressed.  He stated that he had subsequently learned from the Fin Com Chair that they did not feel as though they had enough time to asses and make a recommendation for the Special Town Meeting so in the interest of open government and allowing time for deliberation he (Lukes) felt that the Board could vote to pass over this article at Special Town Meeting and hold it for the budget hearings.

 

Chairman Lavigne stated that when he read the report he had some questions as well.  He stated that it will remain on as a Warrant Article and the Board could vote to pass it over.

 

Sel. Renzoni stated that he thinks it is good business to hold off on this.  He stated that it was a sizeable project but that if there was urgency that the DPW Director could ask for a Special Town Meeting or they could wait for the Annual Town Meeting to move forward.

 

Sel. Renzoni asked if the Board wanted to take positions now or assign speakers for the Warrant Articles. 

 

Mr. Lukes stated that the Board was scheduled to meet prior to Special Town Meeting as well.

 

The Board decided who would speak to which articles.

 

Sel. Renzoni: Article 1 and 2.

Sel. Ethier: Article 3

 

Chairman Lavigne suggested holding on Article 4 because it was a Citizen Petition and stated that Article 5 was being passed over.  He stated that they would hold off until the meeting before Special Town Meeting to take positions on the Warrant Articles as they were not posted for that tonight.

 

  1. Town Manager Update

 

January to June 2018 Selectmen Meeting Schedule: We have prepared the enclosed Board of Selectmen meeting schedule for the period of January 2018-June 2018 for your consideration.

 

Holden municipal Light Department Monthly Report: Enclosed is the HMLD’s October, 2017 Monthly Report prepared by Jim Robinson, General Manager.

 

Holden Recreation Fall Classes: The Recreation Department is offering a wide array of classes and activities for the Fall and Winter Months.  Among them are babysitter’s training class, called BLAST- Babysitter Lessons and Safety Training for 11-14 year old boys and girls.  This is an American Academy of Pediatrics course that covers how to handle the basics of infant and childcare, how to react responsibility to medical emergencies and injuries, perform first aid for common childhood injuries and illnesses, and set up and run your own babysitting business.  This three hour class will beheld during school vacation of Friday, December 29, from 12-3PM in the Recreation Conference Room, located at 1420 Main Street, Holden.  The Cost of this class is $93. Please log onto your myrec account or call the Recreation office at (508) 829 0263 to register.

 

Wreath Making Class is also returning by popular demand.  Participants will be able to create their own unique hanging wreath with the help of an instructor from Bemis Farms in Spencer.  Instruction is available for the beginner to the advanced.  This is a one night class that will be held Tuesday, December, 5 at 7:00PM in the Recreation Conference Room located at 1420 Main Street.  The cost is $38 Registration must be made by Monday, November 27.

 

The Recreation Departments offerings are available online through the Town’s website www.holdenma.gove.  There are many offerings to promote physical fitness and well being.  We invite our residents to check out our courses by looking at the Recreation Departments webpage or by calling the Department at 508-829-0263.

 

Help at HOME: According to Jim Robinson, HMLD General Manager and Help at HOME Committee Member, there will be an insert (flyer and envelope) in the November Utility bills for the Help at HOME donation campaign.  Since the program started in 2008, over $160,000 has been raised and over $130,000 has been distributed to our Holden neighbors in need.

 

Thanks are due to the Help at HOME Committee members and to the Senior Center Staff and Council on Aging for their work to met this need in our community

 

Chairman Lavigne asked if they could be invited in to a meeting to tell us what they do and who they are.

 

Special Town Meeting: Just a reminder of the Special Town Meeting that will be held on Monday, November 27 at 7:00PM at Wachusett Regional High School.  There will be a few items on the warrant bus most importantly we will be voting on the transfer of money to pay for site preparation at 18 Industrial Drive.  Last week I recorded a brief explanation of the proposed transfer on Holden Cable which is airing now along with being seen on our Town Facebook Page and Website.

 

2018 Annual Meeting and Trade Show: The MA Municipal Association Annual Meeting and Trade Show will be held on January 19 and 20, 2018 at the Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA.  If you have not already register, please contact my office if you wish to attend so that we can properly register you for your choices.

 

Assistant Town Manager: I have concluded the first round of interviews for Assistant Town Manager over thirty candidates applied.  Five have been interviewed.  There will likely be a second round of interviews this week and I expect an offer letter to be sent out shortly after Thanksgiving.  I hope to have an Assistant Town Manager in place before Christmas.

 

Railroad Crossings:  After many correspondence, Genesee & Wyoming Railroad (formerly P&W RR) Notified to Town that they are planning to replace the crossing on Pleasant Street and make repairs to the crossing at Quinapoxet Street.  The tentative plan is to work at Quinapoxet Street this week and Pleasant Street the week after Thanksgiving.  The railroad crossings have been the source of many resident complaints and, as we’ve discussed in prior meetings, they are the property of the railroad and only the railroad can work on them.  We are pleased and thankful that Genesee and Wyoming Railroad have agreed to make these repairs.

 

Chairman Lavigne asked if before the work finished at the Railroad crossings if they could send an engineer down to see if the work was completed how the Town could have done it.

 

Mr. Lukes replied that they probably could not trespass.

 

Chairman Lavigne replied he drove over it and was concerned about if it would hold up over the winter.

 

Winter Festival and Santa’s Arrival: Unfortunately, it does not appear as thought we will have a Winter Festival this year.  Multiple attempts to contact the former committee members have failed as you know, this event was entirely driven by the Winter Festival Citizen Committee and paid for with mostly private donations.  We will however still have our annual arrival of Santa Claus at Town Hall on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 5:00PM.  More information will appear on the Town’s website and Facebook Page later this month.  Children of all ages are invited and encouraged to attend.

 

Chairman Lavigne stated that he was able to speak to the Chairman of the Winter Festival Committee and that there were some personal circumstances that came up and they were not able to pull off the Winter Festival this year but that they anticipate it coming back next year.

 

Sel. Renzoni suggested advertising more for the Committee.  He stated that there was very little town involvement for this and that without a lot of volunteers it was a lot of work for a few people. He stated that he understands that there is some disappointment this year but that they can use this to rally people that want to be involved and it should be a year long process.

 

Chairman Lavigne stated that he was no longer on the Committee but he would see if he could find out more information.

 

Mr. Lukes stated that they did have it down to a science and they were able to pull it off quickly because of that.  He stated that the Town had reached out but did not have enough advance notice to pull off the event this year.

 

Sel. Kurtz asked if they could add the solar stats to the digital boards in Town.

 

Mr. Lukes replied those stats were on the website up to the minute; what is generated etc.

 

Mr. Lukes stated that the wreath had gone up in Town as well and he thanked Mr. Robinson and the Light Department for doing that.  He stated it looked beautiful and many were new and energy efficient.

 

Mr. Lukes stated that the Fire Department Contract had been signed by Town Counsel and was out for delivery of final and would be ratified shortly.

 

  1. Citizens Address

 

William Allison, 171 Shrewsbury Street was present at the meeting.  He stated that he was located at the intersection of Shrewsbury and Holden and that while he was aware that the Board could not do anything he wanted to bring to light something before the Special Town Meeting. He stated that with regards to 160 Shrewsbury Street, where the old vet clinic was located, there was a Warrant Article proposed to change the zoning for this from residential to straight commercial.  He stated that this was something that had been bought up four times at this point and it was his opinion that this should not happen.  He stated that he lived across from the site and he was not here just as a personal issue but as a concerned resident and tax payer and that he believed he spoke for the neighbors.  

 

Mr. Allison stated that this was an already busy intersection and that adding a commercial property into this would further cause problems. He stated that there was also constant drainage with the infrastructure to be concerned with and that it was the site of many accidents as well. He stated that adding a commercial property to this area would further impact residents.  He stated that there were plenty of open commercial spaces on Main Street and that people could focus on those areas instead of a property in a residential area.

 

Mr. Allison stated that this would also set a precedent in Town that any resident could do this with 100 signatures.  He stated that he is not a tax expert but that he is not sure how one commercial lot in town would offset the diminished property value the surrounding residents would have.  He stated it would also be dangerous for walkers from Mountview as it was a main travel path for kids and it was a dangerous intersection.

 

Mr. Allison stated that this had been bought up four times now and he was asking everyone to support what had already been voted on several times now.

 

No additional members of the public stepped forward.

 

Chairman Lavigne closed Citizens Address

 

  1. Follow- up to Citizens Address

 

Chairman Lavigne thanked Mr. Allison for coming in and speaking.  He stated that the Board would discuss this in greater detail but that the Board typically takes on position on Citizen Petitions which means that they will not stand up for the petition but they wont stand up against it either.

  1. Selectmen Subcommittee

 

Sel. Kurtz: none

 

Sel. Renzoni stated that the VA Committee helped the American Legion Post on November 11 with the poppy drive and the money raised went to support local veterans that were in need.  He stated that they raised over $1,800 and it was a great day for great organization.

 

Sel. Renzoni stated that Fin Com was also posted for 6:30PM next week.

 

Sel. Herlihy stated that the DPW Building Committee was set to have a Special Town Meeting and hopefully the residents would come to support the project and clean up the site.

 

Chairman Lavigne stated that the Eagle Lake Committee met and that they planned to do some site review and they were starting to develop an action plan and funding scheme as well.

 

  1. Selectmen Miscellaneous

 

Sel. Kurtz: none

 

Sel. Renzoni stated that the Board was available to speak with residents before Town Meeting and would be on site at 6:00PM of the 27th to answer any questions. 

 

Sel. Renzoni asked if they could request the DPW Committee Chair to be present to speak with the Board before going into Special Town Meeting.

 

Sel. Herlihy noted the passing of long time Holden resident Brian Forts.  She stated he was very involved in the Wachusett Chamber of Commerce, the School Committee, Economic Development, and more.  She stated he was a very active member of the community and would be missed greatly.

 

Chairman Lavigne stated that he was a long time moderator as well. 

 

Mr. Madaus stated that it was a real loss for the community.

 

Chairman Lavigne thanked the cub scouts for inviting him in to speak about civic involvement.

 

Chairman Lavigne stated that there was a Special Town Meeting on Monday the 27th and they were all concerned with quorum.  He asked everyone to let their neighbors and people in the community know about it.  He stated that it should be a shorter meeting because there were not as many articles and had to do with a few million in spending. 

 

Chairman Lavigne stated that to echo Mr. Dunn, anyone interested in becoming involved could do the ‘Do Something Questionnaire” on the website or reach out to the Town Manager’s Office.  He encouraged people to become involved.

 

Sel. Renzoni stated that quorum was 136 people.  He stated that 18 Industrial Drive was the future for municipal building.  He stated that DPW was on the forefront but that there were 24 acres that looked to be usable and there were a lot of options that could be used in the future.  He stated that there was room to expand and one of the topics was draining the IIF Account of about $1.3 million and then using the remaining tax dollars to invest in the project.  He asked if there was a final numbers for the balance at this point.

 

Mr. Lukes replied $1.7 million.

 

Sel. Renzoni stated that there was no impact on the tax rate and would result in a clean site and allow a project to go to bid on a clean site which would lower the projections and give the best bid going forward.  He stated that this was an important issue and that anyone with questions could feel free to reach out to him all well.

 

Chairman Lavigne stated he would also be available to answer any questions and thanked the Landmark for their publishing information on 18 Industrial as well.

 

  1. Public Hearing – Street Layout- Joel Scott Drive, Teresa Drive, Colleens Way, Candlewood Drive

 

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE STREET LAYOUT OF JOEL SCOTT DRIVE, TERESA DRIVE, COLLEENS WAY AND CANDLEWOOD DRIVE.

 

Chairman Lavigne asked if they were ready to layout the streets.

 

Mr. Lukes replied that the Planning Board was going to meet prior to the Special Town Meeting.

 

Chairman Lavigne opened it up for public comment; no members of the public stepped forward.

 

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE STREET LAYOUT OF JOEL SCOTT DRIVE, TERESA DRIVE, COLLEENS WAY AND CANDLEWOOD DRIVE.

 

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO LAYOUT JOEL SCOTT DRIVE, TERESA DRIVE, COLLEENS WAY, AND CANDLEWOOD DRIVE; ALL THE STREETS LOCATED IN STONEY BROOK ESTATES, INC, HOLDEN, MA THAT ARE SHOWN ON A PLAN OF LAND ENTILTED “STREET ACCEPTANCE PLAN LOCATED ON STONEY BROOK ESTATES”, PREPARED FOR STONEY BROOK ESTATES, LLC, PREPARED BY NEW ENGLAND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN, LLC DATD MARCH 23, 2016 AND MARCH 6, 2017 AND ON FIEL AT THE OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERKS OFFICE. (see attached:  Notice of Layout of Streets, Stoney Brook Estates, Inc)

 

Chairman Lavigne called a recess at 7:26PM

 

Chairman Lavigne called the meeting back to order at 7:34PM.

 

  1. Public Hearing –Street Layout Preservation Lane

 

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR STREET LAYOUT FOR PRESERVATION LANE.

 

Chairman Lavigne opened it up for public comment; no members of the public stepped forward.

 

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMSOULY VOTED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR STREET LAYOUT/ PRESERVATION LANE.

 

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOSULY VOTED TO LAYOUT PRESERVATION LANE FROM STATION 0 +21.02 TO STATION 13+65.51 FOR A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATLY 1,344.49 FEET ALONG THE CENTERLINE AS SHOWN ON A PLAN OF LAND ENTITLED “BULLARD ESTATES IN HOLDEN MASSACHUSETTS STREET ACCEPTANCE PLAN”, PREPARED FOR CASA INVESTORS, PREPARED BY NEW ENGLAND ENGINEERING, DATED APRIL 3, 2017, AND ON FILE AT THE OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK (see attached: Notice of Layout of Streets: Preservation Lane).

 

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was VOTED BY A UNANIMOUS ROLL CALL VOTE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION: TO DISCUSS STRATEGY WITH RESPECT TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING OR LITIGATION, IF AN OPEN MEETING MAY HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE GOVERNMENTS BARGAINING OR LITIGATING POSITION, AND THE CHAIR SO DECLARES AND TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF ADJOURNMENT.  (Renzoni: yes; Kurtz: yes; Lavigne: yes; Herlihy: yes).

 

The Board existed Executive Session by a Unanimous Roll Call vote and returned to regular session.

 

Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Herlihy, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE NOVEMBER 20, 2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING AT 7:46PM.

 

 

APPROVED:  February 12, 2018 as Amended